Fast-moving flood waters in Europe have now claimed the lives of 15 people in France, Germany, Belgium, and Romania. The Seine River in Paris has set a record for its highest water level since 1982, due to relentless rain over the past few days.

Concern for rising waters has resulted in the closure of the iconic Louvre museum, in order to move priceless works of art to higher ground.

CCTV’s Kevin Ozebek has the latest from Paris.

Intense flooding brings Seine River to highest level in 30 years

Intense flooding brings Seine River to highest level in 30 years

Concern for rising waters in Paris, has resulted in the closure of the Louvre museum Friday to move priceless works of art to higher ground.

French officials said they are confident the river reached its maximum height Friday afternoon and will now subside.

The water level is six meters (20 feet) above normal, and the famous footpaths that line the river are now completely flooded. The trunks of the trees along the river banks are no longer visible.

The Louvre museum closed on Friday as a precaution so museum staffers could move priceless works of art from lower to upper levels. Tourists who had not heard the news found out from signs saying the museum had shut its doors.

The southern suburbs outside of Paris have been hit the hardest. Flood waters are seeping into homes and apartments, and thousands have been forced to evacuate and some had to be rescued.

French President Francois Hollande is expected to declare a state of emergency in parts of the country so that water logged neighborhoods can receive federal funds to pay for the massive clean-up.